Posted on 4 Comments

Ymir Peak

Ymir Mountain is renowned for its powder, but it’s also a perfectly hike-able summer excursion. Achieving the summit involves following a difficult trail to traverse the boulders and scree in the Ymir Bowl, but the reward is ridge-line hiking with spectacular views!

Summary
Trailhead: Whitewater Ski Hill Road
Distance, round trip: 8.5km
Elevation: +760m
Season: mid-July to late September
Difficulty:  Difficult
Continue reading Ymir Peak
Posted on 7 Comments

West Kokanee Loop

Welcome to one of the newest trail networks in the West Kootenay! This alpine circuit offers ridgelines and summits, just outside of Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park.

Summary
Trailhead: West Kokanee FSR
Distance, round trip: 12.3km
Elevation: +1025m
Season: mid-July to late September
Difficulty:Difficult

Continue reading West Kokanee Loop
Posted on Leave a comment

Half Dome

For those that like a little more scramble, the Half Dome is a prominent landmark on Ymir Peak’s ridge with big panoramic views. The trail is still in development, so prepare for some route-finding as you pick your way along the ridge, using hands to scramble over the bluffs.

Summary
Trailhead: Whitewater Ski Hill Road
Distance, round trip: 8.8km
Elevation: +680m
Season: mid-July to late September
Difficulty:Difficult

Continue reading Half Dome
Posted on Leave a comment

Raccoon-Badger Trail

If you think hiking on the Great Northern Rail Trail is a bit boring, then you’ll want to head up into the woods. The Raccoon and Badger Trails offer a welcoming experience for new hikers and trail runners- smooth, flowing trails just above town. Be cautious of descending mountain bikes and move off the trail to give them space.

Summary
Trailhead: Cherry Street or Gore Street
Distance, round trip: 5km
Elevation: +190m
Season: mid-April to late-November
Difficulty:  Easy
Continue reading Raccoon-Badger Trail
Posted on 1 Comment

Haiseldean Lake

A short hike to a quiet subalpine lake, with plenty more exploring on the surrounding ridges. The forest is studded with golden larches in the fall.

Summary
Trailhead: Redfish Creek FSR
Distance, round trip: 7km
Elevation: +407m
Season: late June to early October
Difficulty: Moderate

Membership Required

You must be a member to access this content.

View Membership Levels

Already a member? Log in here
This content is available exclusively to members of West Kootenay Hikings Patreon at $10 or more.
Posted on Leave a comment

Beattie-White Queen Loop

Mount Beattie and White Queen have individual trails leading to their respective summits… but you can also hike a loop connecting the two! And the best part of the loop is the connection trail leads through a patch of wildflower meadow in the summer and a huge golden larch stand in the fall.

Summary
Trailhead: Whitewater Ski Hill Road
Distance, round trip: 12.3km
Elevation: +680m
Season: late June to late September
Difficulty:  Moderate
Continue reading Beattie-White Queen Loop
Posted on 2 Comments

Mount Beattie

Sometimes you just need a moderate hike with a moderate view. Mount Beattie is like that. It’s a forested ridge line, tucked away in the Whitewater backcountry. Beattie’s treed summits are uneventful, but sometimes the journey is more important than the destination. And a day out in the mountains is never a day wasted.

Summary
Trailhead: Whitewater Ski Hill Road
Distance, round trip: 11.2km
Elevation: +499m
Season: late June to late September
Difficulty:  Moderate
Continue reading Mount Beattie
Posted on 1 Comment

Red Mountain (Bonningtons)

“Red Mountain” seems to be a pretty common name in the Koots. There’s a few of them! But this one is the neighbour of Toad Mountain in the Bonnington Range above Nelson. It has the characteristic red rock, but also offers great hiking off the beaten path.

Summary
Trailhead: Giveout Creek FSR
Distance, round trip: 9.2km
Elevation: +491m
Season: early July to late September
Difficulty: Moderate

Membership Required

You must be a member to access this content.

View Membership Levels

Already a member? Log in here
This content is available exclusively to members of West Kootenay Hikings Patreon at $10 or more.
Posted on 7 Comments

Elephant Mountain Traverse (CBC Tower)

Going up and over Elephant Mountain is a big day. But sometimes that’s just what you need to break in those boots! This is a difficult hike with significant elevation, but it’s scenic and close to home! At each milestone, the City of Nelson shrinks further below and more and more peaks unfold from the distant valleys.

Summary
Trailhead: Pulpit Rock Trailhead or Lyon’s Bluff Trailhead
Distance, round trip: 13.5km
Elevation: +1120m
Season: mid-May to late October
Difficulty:  Difficult
Continue reading Elephant Mountain Traverse (CBC Tower)
Posted on 2 Comments

Delaurentiis Bluffs

A scenic overlook trail above Salmo! The Delaurentiis Bluffs trail provides both exercise and inspiration as it climbs high to a series of viewpoints above the valley.

Summary
Trailhead: Delaurentiis Road
Distance, round trip: 5.6km
Elevation: +487m
Season: mid-April to early November
Difficulty: Moderate
Continue reading Delaurentiis Bluffs